What Is Ethernet? Everything You Need to Know About Wired Networks

Before Wi-Fi became ubiquitous, Ethernet was the preferred way to get your devices onto the internet.

By running Ethernet cables in a local area network (LAN) or wide area network (WAN), you could send data back and forth.

It is still widely used because sending data along cables is usually faster, and always more reliable and secure than sending it as radio waves, as Wi-Fi does.

If you want to get the best from your internet connection , Ethernet is still a great way to do it, and it’s an obvious choice for any organization that prizes high speed, security, and reliability.

Here’s everything you need to know about Ethernet.

You may also want to dip into our guides on How to Buy a Router , Best Wi-Fi Routers , and Best Mesh Systems .

Updated April 2026: I added more information about Ethernet, including advice on cables, plus a new section on Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) that includes a few recommended products.

First created in 1973 by a group of Xerox Palo Alto Research Center (PARC) engineers, including Robert Metcalfe and David Boggs, Ethernet allowed people to connect multiple computers in a local area network (LAN).

Ethernet provided a set of rules for sending data back and forth between specific machines rapidly.

The name Ethernet was inspired by luminiferous ether .

To massively simplify the early history of Ethernet , Xerox relinquished its trademark on the Ethernet name, and the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) formalized the 802.3 standard (otherwise known as Ethernet) in 1983.

Other technologies existed, but Ethernet soon became the dominant standard because it was open, so networking equipment was available from multiple manufacturers.

Ethernet was also easy to upgrade, with each version offering backward compatibility.

Even if you have only ever used Wi-Fi, you are probably familiar with Ethernet plugs and cables.

The cable that connects your modem to your Wi-Fi router or main mesh unit is likely an Ethernet cable with an RJ45 connector.

Ethernet offers three main advantages over Wi-Fi: It is usually faster, more stable, and more secure .

But it requires you to run cables between devices, and connected devices must have Ethernet ports.

Wiring up a network can also be complex and costly.

Ultimately, the speed you get will always be limited by the lowest-rated component, whether that’s the cable, port, or switch.

Let’s take a closer look at all three.

There are seven categories of Ethernet cable in use today, offering various maximum bandwidth and data rates.

At the basic level, cables have pairs of wires twisted together with a plastic covering (UTP, or Unshielded Twisted Pair), but some cables have metallic or foil shielding (STP or FTP, which stand for Shielded Twisted Pair or Foiled Twisted Pair).

While shielding guards against electromagnetic interference, it also makes cables thicker and less flexible.

Whenever you buy an Ethernet cable, the manufacturer will specify its capabilities, but cables usually have basic specs printed on the plastic casing.

While they are generally quite hardy, there is always a risk that Ethernet cables can be damaged, especially if you plug and unplug them often.

If you run cables around your house, be careful about tight bends and avoid high-traffic areas where they might get bumped or trampled.

Thin or flat Ethernet cables may be tempting, but they often have less shielding and are less durable.

Because of the hassle of running cables, especially if you hide them in walls, ceilings, or floors, it is best to future-proof and get a Cat 6a cable.

The price difference is minor anyway, and they are backward compatible.

I've also used several cheap Cat 6 cables, like the Amazon Basics one above, for my Gigabit internet connection without any issues.

Both the flat cables I have tried developed faults.

Many routers and mesh systems today have a limited number of Ethernet ports.

Like cables, they have different ratings but are usually more straightforward.

Gigabit ports are common: Several routers offer 2.5 Gbps ports, and a handful of routers support 10 Gbps.

The maximum data rate tends to be printed on the port for routers.

You may have to check the specs for other devices.

5-Port Gigabit Network Switch (GS305)
If you are using PoE, you also need a PoE switch or NVR that can provide the power.

The right version for you depends on the power requirements of the devices you are connecting.

Cables to every room would be too disruptive for most folks, but anyone with a mesh system that supports wired backhaul should consider running an Ethernet cable from their main router to their nodes or satellites to get the best performance from their system.

Otherwise, the mesh will use one of the wireless bands to send traffic back and forth, which limits the bandwidth available for devices and results in slower Wi-Fi speeds for any devices connected to a node.

Even if you use wireless backhaul, if you have a spare Ethernet port on a node, it is often worth running an Ethernet cable from it to any device in the room.

Smart TVs, game consoles, and computers usually have Ethernet ports, and running a cable always offers better speed and stability than Wi-Fi.

Mini Cable Trunking 4-Meter Pack
You could also opt for a trunking kit like this one.

These adhesive runs can sit on or above skirting boards and even be painted to blend in.

Here are a couple of other options:
Wi-Fi is still likely the best solution for most folks because it is so easy to connect devices.

Wi-Fi 6 , Wi-Fi 6E , and Wi-Fi 7 have made very high-speed connections possible, offering more than enough bandwidth for typical tasks like streaming video or online gaming.

If Wi-Fi works for you, stick with it, but it is more prone to interference and instability, so if you run into issues, you might consider Ethernet.

After all, sometimes wired is better.